Now Presents Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings performed at the Ancienne Belgique (Brussels) yesterday evening. Man, can that lady rock. Pure unadulterated funk! I never heard of her until about a year ago. My man Reck asked me if I wanted to go to a live show in Louvain. So, we went, she rocked the house and we got ludicrously drunk (well, Reck was wasted, I could hardly remember my name, but that’s a different story). My mom told me a while back that I always tell her about great live shows that I’ve been to, but I never invite her to come with me. So, since we’re talking about seventies revival bands, it became a family event: Dad, Mom, Hammy and my foster brother off to see some live goodness.

Sharon Jones is as classic as they get. She started singing in her local church choir as a child. She entered several talent shows in the early seventies and later on she did studio work as a backing singer. Unfortunately she never got a solo record, until she did a backing on a Lee Fields track in 1996. Subsequently she had two hits with Switchblade and the Landlord. She gained a small following through the release of several 45” singles and by building a good live reputation. In 2002 her first solo album was released on the newly formed Daptone Records, called Dap Dippin’ with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, followed by Naturally (2005) and 100 Days, 100 Nights (2007).

First up was The Dynamites feat. Charles Walker, who have just released their first album (Kaboom!). Again, here is some hardcore revival of late sixties funk. Walker has an excellent voice and the arrangements get your feet moving. Unfortunately, the soundman sabotaged their sound (as they are wont to do for the opening act, anyone remember Akro when playing before LL Cool J?). Although they were giving it all they got, it didn’t really come across.

Next up was the lady of the hour. It’s refreshing to see a sturdy woman with more personality in her small toe than all the Rihannas of the world combined sing some genuinely good music. All of a sudden the sound was how it should be and for the next hour or so she and the band got the crowd moving. She goes into a dialogue with her audience, and invites people up on the stage when singing tracks that necessitate an interlocutor. But mostly, they just rocked. Anyway, enough talk, here’s some music (torrent link):

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings:


SeeqPod Music beta - Playable Search











The Dynamites feat. Charles Walker:

Sign of the times

In the post Tempting!! on the Digital Archivist blog, Christian Van de Ven talks about the new flyer of the Archiefschool, the institute for archival education and research in the Netherlands, with its new enticing promo talk. It asks you if "you want to find out how things were in the past? How did your city used to look? What was the first movie on YouTube? The archivist preserves all information that is worth of it, so that everyone may view and use it." You will learn to "adjust your services to the customer. For the municipal government you'll write a research report, for school kids you'll make an exciting game." They are even offering classes on Web 2.0.

How ... well, modern. The days of the stuffy old nerd in a flashers' coat covered in dust are gone. In today's society managing "old paper" is only part of the job. An archivist isn't just a Keeper of Ancient Written Knowledge anymore, but also a knowledge and information manager. In the Belgian Master after Master in Archival Studies the profile of the archivist is described as a guardian of historical and cultural heritage, as well as a key figure in any modern administration as a document manager and consultant in the field of document and records management, taxonomies, work- and documentflow, automisation, etc.

The archival profession has entered the digital age for some time now. In the field of digital archiving a lot of research has already been done (e.g. Monash university's Records Continuum Research Group, the European Union's DLM-Forum, the InterPARES Project, the Dutch Digital Longevity project, the published ISO archiving standards like the OAIS-model, PDF/A and ISO 15489, the Archives of Antwerp's eDAVID project, and many more). Several technical solutions for the problem of the volatile digital record have been researched. Archives are now in the process of working out the feasibility of these solutions. However, until recently I got the feeling that people in general, and a lot of archivists outside of the academic world in particular, weren't ready to enter the digital era yet.[*] Slowly this is changing, but a lot of work still needs to be done to convince everybody that archivists need to move with the times. Not only in the field of preservation and dissemination of records, but also in the way archives (and libraries as well) present themselves to the public. A few librarians (and some archivists) are experimenting with different methods. Early september I went to Informatie 2007, a congress on ICT for information professionals, organized every two years by the VVBAD (the Flemish Organisation of Librarians, Archivists and Documentalists). There were several presentations about (ongoing) research and projects regarding digital repositories, digitalization, social software and the like. This is just an example at the level of a small European country, but the point that I'm making is that there are enough ideas and pioneers in the field willing to make a difference. The main thing now is to convince the rest of the world of what we're doing.

[*] I'm not saying that "traditional" record-keeping should be forgotten. The "old papers" still need to be taken care of. What's more, for the time being, the paperless office doesn't exist yet, so hybrid systems will remain in place.

It's our history!

"On the 26th of October 2007, the Museum of Europe", in collaboration with the Scientastic museum, "will be opening its doors to welcome you to an exhibition staged to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, marking half a century of European unification." It's our history! 50 years of the European adventure will take place in Brussels at the site of Tour & Taxis until the 23rd of March 2008.

The Museum of Europe is a project with the intent to illustrate and strengthen the European identity. The idea came from a group of historians and cultural promoters from civil society, about nine years ago. Their aim was to take Europeans back to the roots of their shared civilisation. They have already organised two ‘exploratory exhibitions’, La Belle Europe (fall 2001-spring 2002) and Dieu(x), modes d’emploi (27 October 2006 – 6 May 2007), in Brussels. Following the success of Dieu(x), which portrayed the resemblances between different religions, the exhibit went to Paris and Madrid.

The essential idea behind It's our history! is that "we are all protagonists in this incredible adventure, this ongoing quest to unify Europe." "From the devastated Europe of 1945 to the challenges that are today facing our continent, visitors will come face to face with History with a capital H but also with their own more personal history. ... The exhibition boasts the state-of-the art resources of contemporary museography: backdrops, films, multimedia and interactive tools guide you through exhibits that have been chosen above all for their authenticity." To get a feeling of how the exhibit will look, you can check out some videos here.

The description above is comprised of impressive words. I only hope that the exhibit can live up to the evoked expectations. At the least it is an effort to promote Europe to its' citizens. To most people it's merely an abstract idea used only to give more power to men and women in suits. The fact is that the European Union has a real impact on our daily lives, even if we don't notice it anymore. If I can find the time to go, I'll keep you updated.

Practical Info: From October 26, 2007 until March 23, 2008

At Tour & Taxis, 86 avenue du Port/Havenlaan – 1000 Brussels

Languages: French, Dutch, English, German.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday, Sunday, public holidays: 10 am to 6 am, School holidays: 10 am to 6 am
Duration of the visit: 1h30 – 2h00
Price: 10 €

Update: Our visit.

Panties for Peace

The Panties for Peace campaign, which started at October 16, is aimed at the leaders of Myanmar (the English-speaking world still calls it Burma although the name changed in 1989). Women throughout the world are sending packages containing their panties to Burmese embassies. Burma’s superstitious generals, particularly junta chief Than Shwe, believe that contact with any item of women’s wear deprives them of their power.

To widespread international condemnation, the military in Myanmar crushed mass anti-regime demonstrations recently and continues to hunt down and imprison those who took part. Women in Thailand, Australia, Singapore, England and other European countries have started sending or delivering their underwear to Myanmar missions following informal coordination among activist organizations and individuals. "You can post, deliver or fling your panties at the closest Burmese Embassy any day from today. Send early, send often! This is your chance to use your Panty Power to take away the power from the SPDC and support the people of Burma" the Lanna Action for Burma Web site urges.

So, girls, if you want to chip in, here is a list with the adresses of Burmese embassies. Or in the words of the blogger who compiled the list: "Ladies, the least you could do to help Burma is to just .. Take 'em off, Pack 'em up and send 'em in. Them undies. ... Ladies and grannies, take 'em off and send 'em in ... [ don't bother washing 'em ] !!!"

Viva Cuba!

From 18th till the 21st of October the Cultural Centre of Evere (Brussels) is hosting Viva Cuba! Festival of the Cuban Culture. In their words: "On the 20th October 1868 revolutionary Cubans, lead by Manuel de Céspedes, liberated the city of Bayamo. In hommage of this historic event, the 20th of October has been dubbed the 'Day of Cuban Culture'." During this week-end the Cultural Centre and the Friends of Cuba offer a series of films, two expositions, debates and musical evenings with a Caribbean touch.

On 27th of October the Iniciativa Cuba Socialista (ICS) is hosting Che Presente 2007 at the Free University of Brussels (VUB). The event celebrates the National Day of Solidarity with Cuba and commemorates the 40th birthday of the murder on Che. They will be providing several conferences, workshops and movies, as well as Cuban food, cigars and music.

God Hates the World

As you all know, most of the different factions within the abrahamistic religions claim that their god is a peace-loving and forgiving type of dude. Well apparently those who have made this claim are wrong.

Before I get into this, let me tell you about the most hilarious fundies that can be found on the web: Westboro Baptist Church. They have a subtly titled website (godhatesfags.com) were they say the most outrageous things. Cracks me up every time. The reason for all this mirth is that they’re very serious about their retarded beliefs, and the only thing we can do is laugh.

Actually the things they do is no laughing matter and shows a great deal of disrespect for anyone who doesn’t agree with them. They believe that the last days are coming because the world is filled with sinners. More specifically, America is doomed because it allows homosexuality, ensuring the hatred of god. Before entering their site you are “warned” that there will be “Gospel Preaching Ahead”, together with a summary of their beliefs. In the FAQ of their site Pastor Phelps (the Westboro Big Kahuna) explains it as follows: "The Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) of Topeka, Kansas, is an Old School (or, Primitive) Baptist Church. In short, we adhere to the teachings of the Bible, preach against all form of sin (e.g., fornication, adultery, sodomy), and insist that the doctrines of grace be taught publicly to all men. These doctrines of grace were well summed up by John Calvin in his 5 points of Calvinism: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints. ... WBC engages in daily peaceful sidewalk demonstrations opposing the homosexual lifestyle of soul-damning, nation-destroying filth. We display large, colorful signs containing Bible words and sentiments, including: GOD HATES FAGS, FAGS HATE GOD, AIDS CURES FAGS, THANK GOD FOR AIDS, FAGS BURN IN HELL, NO NOT MOCKED, FAGS ARE NATURE FREAKS, GOD GAVE FAGS UP, NO SPECIAL LAWS FOR FAGS, etc. Perceiving the modern militant homosexual movement to pose a clear and present danger to the survival of America, exposing our nation to the wrath of God as in 1898 B.C. at Sodom and Gomorrah, WBC has conducted some 20,000 such demonstrations during the last nine years at homosexual parades and other events (including funerals of impenitent sodomites, like Matthew Shepard). WBC teams have picketed major fag parades in San Francisco, New York, Washington D.C., Miami, San Diego, Dallas, Orlando, Kansas City, etc. The unique picketing ministry of Westboro Baptist Church has received national attention, and WBC believes this gospel message to be America's last hope. ... [Homosexuality] is the sin that is at the forefront of the moral crisis in this nation. WE did not start the homosexual movement. WE did not put this movement on the front page of every major newspaper, in every phase of the entertainment industry, and in the schools. WE are not the ones insisting that this awful behavior serve as the basis for special legal rights. WE are not the ones marching up and down the streets demanding that people accept and respect us for our sins. This is the only sin to which America is seriously contemplating giving civil rights. Imagine if embezzlers, murderers or rapists demanded that they be given protection - not punishment - by law because of their wrongful deeds? You would gasp in amazement. Yet you embrace the notion that because someone engages in sex with a person of the same gender - and then chooses to broadcast that fact - they should be protected? Amazing! This sin is so insidious by its nature, and those who commit such things so abominable by their nature, that it serves as the litmus test for a society. When God has turned his back on a people, sodomites rule the land. America is on the cusp of that condition, and only by an abundance of mercy will God forebear the utter destruction of this country. That is why we focus on this issue in our ministry at this time in our journey on this Earth." As a result of not persecuting the “sodomites” the States is losing the war in Iraq (as opposed to giving false information, underestimating the enemy and safeguarding oil reserves). To make their point absolutely clear they picket funerals of soldiers, carrying banners with messages like “a soldier dies, god laughs”, “too late to pray” and “god hates your tears”; and reciting negative bible verses through a megaphone. It amazes me that none of them have gotten killed by the boy or girl’s parents. Needless to say nobody likes these people. From time to time though there are some Hell’s Angels who make sure they’re there as well. The Angels encircle the "Most Hated Family In America" with their bikes and try to drown out the disrespectful slogans.

Now, these guys are telling us that the supposition that god loves us all is wrong. They prove this in a dissertation, titled “God Loves Everyone” The Greatest Lie Ever Told – 701 Passages Proving God’s Hate & Wrath For Most of Mankind. It goes on for 94 pages that it is not once mentioned in the Bible that god loves everyone, and moreover that he killed and condemned to hell billions of people (which is listed in extenso), with an added list of 701 passages that tell us otherwise. It is in fact satan who has devised this creed. By believing this no one needs to heed the word of the lord, since we will be forgiven anyway.

I’m not really sure what the point of all this is. To me, it sounds more as propaganda against their beliefs. Who wants to live in fear and hate all his life? Well, apparently the Phelps Family does. Although they call themselves a church, they’re more or less only one big happy family (they even take their kids along in the madness). Poisoning your own clan isn’t enough though. That’s why they are on the internet, … abundantly. The God Hates Fags site couldn’t just be all by itself now could it? They do not only hate homosexuals, they also have a strong dislike for any country harbouring these “abominations against Christ”, and any other non-protestant religion. Here are some sister sites: God Hates America, America Is Doomed, God Hates Canada, God Hates Sweden (2 countries that are pretty hard to hate), The Sign Of The Times and Priests Rape Boys.

Maybe it's best to let them explain it themselves:



Here is Michael Moore’s take on the issue. Personally, I think Pastor Phelps has a problem of his own (something to do with repressed feelings). My suggestion to him is to seek help.

Some more fun with WBC:

Fred Phelps on "God's rage on America:

Discover your C-spot

Prof. Novak, a respected doctor, has discovered after years of research that every person has a C-Spot. This is a particular part on your body that, when stimulated, let's you enjoy culture in a more intense manner. Here is the explanation by the man himself:

You can find your C-Spot as well, by taking the test on Cultuurweb. Underneath you can find my result. What is yours?